Longswamp Township Historical Society Newsletter February … Newsletter... · Longswamp Township...

Longswamp Township Historical Society Newsletter

February-March 2015 Preserving and sharing the historical past and culture of

Longswamp Township since 2010

A Message from our President A new year and a new resolution for 2015! The Society has decided to compile a list of the oldest structures in the township and we will need your help. What do you think is the oldest house, barn, or building? Do you have any documentation? Do you have any stories to tell? Has the building been updated or remodeled? Any information you give us will be greatly appreciated. We have great programs coming up this Spring. Diakon Social Ministries has been instrumental in helping the Society's programs to succeed by providing a venue to spotlight our efforts,

MMMMary Ann Lantzary Ann Lantzary Ann Lantzary Ann Lantz

P.S. It’s not too late to renew your membership

to the LTHS for 2015! Lifetime individual or business membership $100 Business membership $25 Family membership $20 Individual $10 Senior citizen (over 62) $5 Student (with ID) $5 Make checks payable to the Longswamp Township Historical Society and sent to: P. O. Box 610 Mertztown, PA 19539

Happy Valentine’s Day

Purpose of the LTHS T0 discover and preserve educational and illustrative collections of material, structures, and landmarks of the Longswamp Township area. To maintain a museum and non-circulating historical library of the Longswamp Township area. To preserve and record the history and culture of the Longswamp Township area.

2015 LTHS Directors Officers: President – Mary Ann Lantz Vice President – Marie Maly Secretary – Jerri Burket Treasurer – Mike Radcliffe

Board: Bill Anton Troy Fairchild Tootie Helwig Eloise Long Ron Young Betty Anton, Newsletter editor

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a

member, please contact us at (484) 504-9149

Email: [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS All events are free of charge and open to the public.

Fri., March 27: A Walk with Conrad Weiser7:00

Take a trip back in time to Pennsylvania’s early days as member of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead Board, talkConradinterpreter and negotiator for the Native Americans and the Provincial

Wed, April 22: The Barns of Longswamp Township7:00

Longswamp Township is blessed with some of best and truly unique examples of Pennsylvania barn architecture.

Eastern Barns Consultants takes us on a tour of some of the 106 barns he’s discovered and documented in the Town

A bonfire and hot chocolate will be available after the presentationwill also be open.

The event is free to the public and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions cancelling. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on an unpaved, farm lane.

The Historic Dreibelbis Farm is located on Route 143available on-site. GPS Address: 356 Hard Hill Road, Hamburg, P

All events are free of charge and open to the public.

Fri., March 27: A Walk with Conrad Weiser7:00 – 8:30 p.m., The Lutheran Home at Topton, Henry

Auditorium Take a trip back in time to Pennsylvania’s early days as

member of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead Board, talkConrad Weiser's travels on the Tulpehocken Trail while serving as an interpreter and negotiator for the Native Americans and the Provincial

government.

Wed, April 22: The Barns of Longswamp Township7:00 – 8:30 p.m., The Lutheran Home at Topton, Henry

Auditorium Longswamp Township is blessed with some of best and truly unique examples of Pennsylvania barn architecture. Join us as Greg Huber of

Eastern Barns Consultants takes us on a tour of some of the 106 barns he’s discovered and documented in the Township, several of which were built in

the 19th century.

Ice Harvesting DemonstrationSunday, February 15Historic Dreibelbis Farm, Virginville, Pa. The Dreibelbis Farm Historical Societywill sponsor an 18th century Pennsylvania German ice harvesting, includingharvesting ice blocks from the ice pond, hauling the ice to the ice house, loading the ice house, and a demonstration of the tools used.

A bonfire and hot chocolate will be available after the presentation; the farm grounds and nature trail


located on Route 143, south of the village of Virginville. Parking is

GPS Address: 356 Hard Hill Road, Hamburg, Pa.

Fri., March 27: A Walk with Conrad Weiser 8:30 p.m., The Lutheran Home at Topton, Henry

Take a trip back in time to Pennsylvania’s early days as Lynn Otto, a member of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead Board, talks about

Weiser's travels on the Tulpehocken Trail while serving as an interpreter and negotiator for the Native Americans and the Provincial

Wed, April 22: The Barns of Longswamp Township 8:30 p.m., The Lutheran Home at Topton, Henry

Longswamp Township is blessed with some of best and truly unique us as Greg Huber of

Eastern Barns Consultants takes us on a tour of some of the 106 barns he’s ship, several of which were built in

Ice Harvesting Demonstration Sunday, February 15 Historic Dreibelbis Farm, Virginville,

eibelbis Farm Historical Society sponsor an 18th century Pennsylvania

, including cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond, hauling the ice to the ice house, loading the ice house, and a demonstration of the tools used.

the farm grounds and nature trail


south of the village of Virginville. Parking is

Allentown, Pa., Oct. 1. — Elmer Fogel of Alburtis was driving home from Mertztown lastevening, when near Shamrock, a highwayman emerged from the dark roadside along the farmRev. M. H. Brensinger and dealt him a stunning blow in the face, almost knocking himbuggy. The highwayman followed up with a deathlike grip around Mr. Fogel’s throat. retained his presence of mind and, instead of grappling with the whip. The animal started off with such force that the assailant, on being caught in the wheels, was dragged to the ground. As he let go, he tore off Mr. Fogel’s coat and shirt. Mr. Fogel had$100 with him, but fortunately had stuck the money in a trousers pocket.

Mertztown, March 2 (Special). — The restaurant of the Hotel Biery, Frank E. Meitzler, proprietor, was entered last night and robbed of 20 gallons of whisky, several boxes of cigars, a lot of bologna and other articles. Entrance was gained by means of a crowbar and other tools procured at the home of James E. Biery, who lives nearby. Marks on the door leading to teffort was made to enter that place. Samuel W. Hacock, a boarder at the hotel, heard the noise made by the intruders and came downstairs. The burglars heard his approach. They fled, but did not drop the booty.

Shamrock, Dec. 15. — Thieves again broke into the Shamrock railway station, effecting an entrance through a rear window on the north side. Once inside of the waiting room, they broke and sackedchewing gum box. They found little money there, for it had been taken out the day before. With a jimmy, they forced the door between the waiting room and the ticket office. Here they did most of their work, tearing open supply boxes, drawers, etc., antickets were taken. The wareroom was not entered. During the same night the Mertztown depot was entered and a mileage book and some other ticketstaken. Suspicious characters were seen the day before, walkiother public places.

[Shamrock news, The Reading Eagle, Reading, PA, Friday, December 15, 1911, page 19]

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Newspaper Tidbits From PastCrime in Longswamp Township

Elmer Fogel of Alburtis was driving home from Mertztown lastevening, when near Shamrock, a highwayman emerged from the dark roadside along the farmRev. M. H. Brensinger and dealt him a stunning blow in the face, almost knocking him

The highwayman followed up with a deathlike grip around Mr. Fogel’s throat. retained his presence of mind and, instead of grappling with the robber, gave the horse a

The animal started off with such force that the assailant, on being caught in the wheels, dragged to the ground. As he let go, he tore off Mr. Fogel’s coat and shirt. Mr. Fogel hadwith him, but fortunately had stuck the money in a trousers pocket.

[The Warren Evening Mirror, Warren, PA, Saturday, October 1, 1910, page 6]

The restaurant of the Hotel Biery, Frank E. Meitzler, proprietor, last night and robbed of 20 gallons of whisky, several boxes of cigars, a lot of bologna and

articles. Entrance was gained by means of a crowbar and other tools procured at the home of Biery, who lives nearby. Marks on the door leading to the main barroom indicated that an made to enter that place. Samuel W. Hacock, a boarder at the hotel, heard the noise made

intruders and came downstairs. The burglars heard his approach. They fled, but did not drop

[The Reading Eagle, Reading, PA, Thursday, March 2, 1911, page 3]

Thieves again broke into the Shamrock railway station, effecting an entrance rear window on the north side. Once inside of the waiting room, they broke and sackedgum box. They found little money there, for it had been taken out the day before. With a forced the door between the waiting room and the ticket office. Here they did most of tearing open supply boxes, drawers, etc., and throwing the stationery all over the floor. No taken. The wareroom was not entered.

During the same night the Mertztown depot was entered and a mileage book and some other ticketstaken. Suspicious characters were seen the day before, walking about Mertztown, visiting stores and


____________________________________________

rom Past Crime in Longswamp Township

Elmer Fogel of Alburtis was driving home from Mertztown last evening, when near Shamrock, a highwayman emerged from the dark roadside along the farm of the Rev. M. H. Brensinger and dealt him a stunning blow in the face, almost knocking him out of the

The highwayman followed up with a deathlike grip around Mr. Fogel’s throat. Mr. Fogel with the robber, gave the horse a smart cut

The animal started off with such force that the assailant, on being caught in the wheels, dragged to the ground. As he let go, he tore off Mr. Fogel’s coat and shirt. Mr. Fogel had nearly

[The Warren Evening Mirror, Warren, PA, Saturday, October 1, 1910, page 6]

The restaurant of the Hotel Biery, Frank E. Meitzler, proprietor, last night and robbed of 20 gallons of whisky, several boxes of cigars, a lot of bologna and

articles. Entrance was gained by means of a crowbar and other tools procured at the home of he main barroom indicated that an

made to enter that place. Samuel W. Hacock, a boarder at the hotel, heard the noise made intruders and came downstairs. The burglars heard his approach. They fled, but did not drop

Reading Eagle, Reading, PA, Thursday, March 2, 1911, page 3]

Thieves again broke into the Shamrock railway station, effecting an entrance rear window on the north side. Once inside of the waiting room, they broke and sacked the gum box. They found little money there, for it had been taken out the day before. With a forced the door between the waiting room and the ticket office. Here they did most of

d throwing the stationery all over the floor. No

During the same night the Mertztown depot was entered and a mileage book and some other tickets ng about Mertztown, visiting stores and


____________________________________________

Thanks to the efforts of Susie Mabry Kutz, center, and Mary Mabry, Miss Mertztown was available to greet the many visitors for the launch of The Village of Mertztown. Barbara Biery Weaknecht, left, supplied the dress which was worn at the wedding of Eda Biery DeLong in 1905. Not only did we sell numerous Mertztown books, but there was also a new surge of interest for Shamrock and Longsdale.

We are grateful for all who donated artifacts, participated in the event, and supported the organization by purchasing books, calendars, and note cards. We are looking forward to publishing Longswamp Centre and Lower Longswamp in the next several months. More information to follow shortly. Please call Eloise Long, 610-682-0696, if you have any photos or other memorabilia from either hamlet (or any other Longswamp hamlet). Also, please let us know if we can set up a time to chat. We know you have good stories to tell.

Ellie Long

Do you recognize this girl? Look forward to more wonderful photos from Shoemaker’s bakery.

Ellie Long

Did you know there was once regularly scheduled bus service back in the 1930's that was operated by the Reading Railroad/ Central RR of NJ that was affiliated with the Greyhound Bus Company? It operated via Topton, Mertztown, Longswamp, Shamrock, Alburtis, Macungie, Emmaus. This is a copy of a September 1937 bus schedule. \

The schedule was provided by Frank Garone.

Jim Schlegel

Genealogical Research Helpers This is part of a series of articles submitted by Jerri Burket on researching family history.

Without a doubt, with today's Internet, there's a wealth of genealogical records available on the World Wide Web. But there are even more records still hidden away on paper and microfilm in the world's archives, historical societies and court houses. And with the high gas prices, it's just not economical to drive to each of these places that might possess one document that you need for your family tree. If you find yourself with a problem like this, there is a website hosted by RootsWeb that might be able to help without you leaving the comfort of your own home. Called Obituary Lookup Volunteers, it can be found at: freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~obitl/ Near the bottom of the initial page of the website, there is a little chart of hyperlinks. The one of interest in this article is in the middle of the top row, labeled LIST OF VOLUNTEERS. After you click on this link, you'll be taken to a page titled Obituary Lookup Volunteers, State/Country Index. There are two charts on this page ... one for each state in the United States and one for thirteen different countries in the world. Each of the names is a hyperlink that will take you to the appropriate list of volunteers for that area. If you're following along on your computer, click on Pennsylvania. The first thing that you might notice is that not all of the counties are listed. This means that no one has volunteered to do anything in that section of the state. The next thing that you might notice is that, even though the website is called Obituary Lookup Volunteers, there are other places and sources that some of the folks will search for you. Besides the obits from various newspapers, there are references to cemeteries, historical societies, libraries. Other states do mention court house look-ups. Granted, you may not find anyone willing to find your document for you. But this website is definitely worth checking out.

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In Memoriam Our condolences to the family of Allen Romig who died recently at the age of 97. He was featured in The Village of Longsdale and was a “signer” during the reenactment of the establishment of the township in 2011. He was a source of valuable historic information and artifacts and will be sorely missed. He’s in the foreground, second from the right. BOD member Ron Young is far right; LTHS member David Hellwig to the left. P.S. The re-enactment was our first public event as a historical society.

Longswamp Founding Fathers This series highlights the life and accomplishments of the 26 men who signed a petition presented to the justices of Berks County in 1761 that requested Long Swamp be erected into a township.

Philip and Samuel Bürger (Burrier, Burgher, Berger, Borger) This story offers a great example of how misspellings and poor penmanship have been foiling the efforts of family history researchers for more than a century. In 1925, the Reading Times city editor Cyrus T. Fox published a book that indicated the first man to establish himself as a citizen of Langen Swamm (Long Swamp)—in about 1734—was Philip Berger and the second, his brother Samuel. But the definitive publications of immigrant lists during the 18th century do not include mention of either man in 1734 arrivals. On September 3, 1739, however, Phillip and Samuel “Burrier” (Name of Foreigners) Burgher” (30,000 Names) took the oath of allegiance to King George II after arriving in Philadelphia aboard the Ship Robert and Alice. Plus we know for certain that other men arrived in Long Swamp earlier than 1734. Sheesh! We know the Bürgers (hereafter referred to as Bergers) were an influential family in Long Swamp. Philip was a weaver by trade. Samuel’s trade is unknown. Philip is listed as a contributor to the building of the Little Lehigh Church (later renamed the Longswamp Church). Samuel is listed among the master-builders (building committee) overseeing the construction of the small log church that remained in service until 1791. Both Philip and Samuel purchased land in Long Swamp; about half of that land belonging to Samuel was later conveyed to Philip. Philip called his estate Burgundy. Sometime after arriving in America in 1737, Jacob Lang came to live with Samuel’s family and later married Samuel’s daughter Anna Catherine. Still later, Jacob inherited a portion of the Berger farm, and the Village of Longsdale was born! You can read more about Jacob Lang (Long) and his progeny in our publication, “The Village of Longsale.” In 1754, Philip Burger made his first report of what would be recurring Indians attacks upon him and his family. These attacks, which continued until 1763, are believed to have been strong impetus for the request for Long Swamp to be erected into a township. Sources: Names Of Foreigners Who Took The Oath Of Allegiance to the Province and State of Pennsylvania 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals, 1786-1808; edited by William Henry Egle, MD, Harrisburg, Edwin K. Meyers, State Printer, 1892. A Collection of Upwards of Thirty Thousand Names of German, Swiss, Dutch, French and Other Immigrants to Pennsylvania from 1727 to 1776, Professor I. Daniel Rupp, Second Revised and Enlarged Edition, Philadelphia, IG. Kohler, 202 North Fourth Street, 1876. (Lutherans in Berks County 1723-1923, Reading Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of PA and Adjacent States, pp 81-86.) History of Berks County, Morton L. Montgomery, 1886, pp 1050-1051. Rootsweb database: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/PANORTHA/2010-03/1268097309

Modern Barns in Longswamp Township This is the last article in a series written bLongswamp Township. We finally arrive at the last type of barn in Longswamp Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In the past several issues of the Longswamp Historical Society Newsletter, two major types of barns have been discussed one-level ground barns and two-level foretype barns do, as they have three major divisions each been examined and described. The Extended barns, seen in the special issunewsletter, were the last of any vernacular style barns to have been built in the township. That period of construction was during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The last barn construction of any type is the modern barn style of which Longswamp has just a few. For the purposes of this article a modern barn is considered any barn of post 1920 or perhaps 1930 vintage. The so-called pole barns that are seen in various communities including Longswamp are not township barn survey. Most modern township barns have arched or Gothic style roofs. These barns were most often for the storage of farm crops. Two-

Gothic Roof Style Barn It is the roof form, with its curved laminated timber rafters, that has given the barn type its name arched roof style. Many commercial companies since the 1930s produced prepatterns that were available from catalogs. This barn construction mode achieved wide popularity for several decades. The glued laminated timber rafters had been developed in Europe and introduced to the United States in 1934. The United States Department of Agriculturerafters. Marketing literature at the time promoted the rafters as being "factoryRafters were shipped predrilled and ready for assembly with all hardware included. The laminated rafters are strong due to the uniform load distribution over the total length of the rafters. The high arch design provides for useful and basically unobstructed floor space and alto naturally move up and out of the building. The shape of the arch is considered by many be very attractive. It is the roof shape that naturally resists wind and snow loads. As the old adage of architecture says follows function. Only one farm that has a modern barn (actually two modern barns) includes a description of fair length. Four other sites have modern barns but their interiors were not entered. Therefore, the descriptions are, of necessity, short. Hoover Family Farm on Meadow Drive Toward the Barclay Street end of Meadow Drive on the south side and just north of Toad Creek is the Wayne Hoover farm. On the property are two modern barns. The one closer to the road and just east of the homestead driveway is a one-level frame barn. The other barn just west of the driveway is a very large two

Modern Barns in Longswamp Township This is the last article in a series written by Greg Huber about the barns of

We finally arrive at the last type of barn in Longswamp Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In the past several issues of the Longswamp Historical Society Newsletter, two major types of barns have been discussed

ore-bay barns. Ground barns do not possess any subtype. But foretype barns do, as they have three major divisions – Sweitzers, Standard barns and Extended barns. They have each been examined and described. The Extended barns, seen in the special issue (December 2014) of the newsletter, were the last of any vernacular style barns to have been built in the township. That period of construction was during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The last barn construction of

he modern barn style of which Longswamp has just a few.

For the purposes of this article a modern barn is considered any barn of post 1920 or perhaps 1930 vintage. called pole barns that are seen in various communities including Longswamp are not

township barn survey. Most modern township barns have arched or Gothic style roofs. These barns were most -level modern barns had stable areas in the basements for farm stock.

The modern Gothic arched barn on Mertz Road is a large two-level structure. Many modern windows punctuate the basement level of the barn. Like most Gothic arched barns, the roof has a ventilator. A ramp at the eave wall side of the barn at the rear leads to main wagon door

It is the roof form, with its curved laminated timber rafters, that has given the barn type its name Many commercial companies since the 1930s produced pre-manufactured Gothic style barn

patterns that were available from catalogs. This barn construction mode achieved wide popularity for several rafters had been developed in Europe and introduced to the United States

United States Department of Agriculture issued a technical bulletin in 1939 on the use of these rafters. Marketing literature at the time promoted the rafters as being "factory-fabricated and engineered."

edrilled and ready for assembly with all hardware included.

The laminated rafters are strong due to the uniform load distribution over the total length of the rafters. The high arch design provides for useful and basically unobstructed floor space and allows the free movement of air to naturally move up and out of the building. The shape of the arch is considered by many be very attractive. It is the roof shape that naturally resists wind and snow loads. As the old adage of architecture says

Only one farm that has a modern barn (actually two modern barns) includes a description of fair length. Four other sites have modern barns but their interiors were not entered. Therefore, the descriptions are, of

amily Farm on Meadow Drive Toward the Barclay Street end of Meadow Drive on the south side and just north of Toad Creek is the Wayne Hoover farm. On the property are two modern barns. The one closer to the road and just east of the homestead

level frame barn. The other barn just west of the driveway is a very large two

about the barns of

We finally arrive at the last type of barn in Longswamp Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In the past several issues of the Longswamp Historical Society Newsletter, two major types of barns have been discussed –

bay barns. Ground barns do not possess any subtype. But fore-bay Sweitzers, Standard barns and Extended barns. They have

e (December 2014) of the newsletter, were the last of any vernacular style barns to have been built in the township. That period of construction was during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The last barn construction of

For the purposes of this article a modern barn is considered any barn of post 1920 or perhaps 1930 vintage. called pole barns that are seen in various communities including Longswamp are not a part of the

township barn survey. Most modern township barns have arched or Gothic style roofs. These barns were most level modern barns had stable areas in the basements for farm stock.

arched barn on Mertz Road is a large level structure. Many modern windows punctuate the

basement level of the barn. Like most Gothic arched barns, the roof has a ventilator. A ramp at the eave wall side of the barn at the rear leads to main wagon doors on the wall.

It is the roof form, with its curved laminated timber rafters, that has given the barn type its name – the Gothic manufactured Gothic style barn

patterns that were available from catalogs. This barn construction mode achieved wide popularity for several rafters had been developed in Europe and introduced to the United States

issued a technical bulletin in 1939 on the use of these fabricated and engineered."

The laminated rafters are strong due to the uniform load distribution over the total length of the rafters. The lows the free movement of air

to naturally move up and out of the building. The shape of the arch is considered by many be very attractive. It is the roof shape that naturally resists wind and snow loads. As the old adage of architecture says – form

Only one farm that has a modern barn (actually two modern barns) includes a description of fair length. Four other sites have modern barns but their interiors were not entered. Therefore, the descriptions are, of

Toward the Barclay Street end of Meadow Drive on the south side and just north of Toad Creek is the Wayne Hoover farm. On the property are two modern barns. The one closer to the road and just east of the homestead

level frame barn. The other barn just west of the driveway is a very large two-level frame

structure. The farm here consists of one hundred acres. Wayne stated that the main road existed between the large barn and the homestead house until the 1950s. barns. The Hoover two-level barn sits perhaps 50 to 60 feet south of the road.to 40 feet wide. The roof-ridge about parallels the road.the ridgeline. Large wagon doors are seen on the north eave wall that faces the road. The doors lead into the cavernous upper floor level. To the immediate west side of the wagon doors are three very lwhich Hoover built in the early 1990s. Many windows punctuate the basement located on this floor level at the east end wall On the upper level, hay and various kinds of farm equipment are stored. Massive sized X-braces form part of the sidewalls. The construction consists of planks that are all secured with large bolts. Such connections typify many of the Gothic arched barns. It was the original intent to store loose hay, and tremendous amounts of it, in the upper floor level. The lower floor level is home to 44 cows cow stall is four feet wide. All cows but one Jersey are of the Holstein variety. Each cow is milked twice a day. At the rear of the barn at the basement level is a fair sized milk house. At the far end of the barn at the rear is a modern heifer house. The Wayne Hoover Gothic arched two-level barn on the south side of Meadow Drive is a enormous storage capacity on its upper floor level. FortyHolstein variety.

The Hoover one-level barn also has an arched roof and laminated roof timbers. The only floor level is for farmequipment to be stored. The Hoover one-level barn is also a Gothic arched roofed structure. The structural members consist of laminated beams that render tremendous strength to the building.

Other Modern Barns Just before Mertztown Road on the west side of Mertz Road is another very large modern Gothic arched twolevel frame barn. The barn is a few hundred feet south of Toad Creek. The roof peak is topped with three evenly spaced metal ventilators. The barn, all white, has a window just below the peak on the roadside end wall. On the masonry basement end wall are six windows and a split door is seen near the rear corner of the barn.

structure. The farm here consists of one hundred acres. Wayne stated that the main road existed between the large barn and the homestead house until the 1950s. Currently, Meadow Drive is at the north side of the two

level barn sits perhaps 50 to 60 feet south of the road. The barn is about 96 feet long and close ridge about parallels the road. Three large metal ventilators are evenly spaced along

the ridgeline. Large wagon doors are seen on the north eave wall that faces the road. The doors lead into the immediate west side of the wagon doors are three very l

which Hoover built in the early 1990s. Many windows punctuate the basement level. A main door entry is located on this floor level at the east end wall.

On the upper level, hay and various kinds of farm equipment braces form part of the sidewalls.

The construction consists of planks that are all secured with large bolts. Such connections typify many of the Gothic arched

t was the original intent to store loose hay, and tremendous amounts of it, in the upper floor level.

The lower floor level is home to 44 cows – 22 per half side. Each cow stall is four feet wide. All cows but one Jersey are of the

h cow is milked twice a day. At the rear of the barn at the basement level is a fair sized milk house. At the far end of the barn at the rear is a modern heifer house.

level barn on the south side of Meadow Drive is a massive sized structure with enormous storage capacity on its upper floor level. Forty-four cows are stabled in the basement. All but one cow is of the

level barn also has an arched roof and y floor level is for farm

level barn is also a Gothic arched roofed structure. The structural members consist of laminated beams that render

Just before Mertztown Road on the west side of Mertz Road is another very large modern Gothic arched twolevel frame barn. The barn is a few hundred feet south of Toad Creek. The roof peak is topped with three evenly

white, has a window just below the peak on the roadside end wall. On the masonry basement end wall are six windows and a split door is seen near the rear corner of the barn.

The Mertz Road barn is a very large Gothic arched roof structure that has two-levels. The storage capacity of this barn is immense along with a tremendous area for the stabling of farm stock in the basement.

structure. The farm here consists of one hundred acres. Wayne stated that the main road existed between the Currently, Meadow Drive is at the north side of the two

The barn is about 96 feet long and close Three large metal ventilators are evenly spaced along

the ridgeline. Large wagon doors are seen on the north eave wall that faces the road. The doors lead into the immediate west side of the wagon doors are three very large silos, two of

A main door entry is

massive sized structure with four cows are stabled in the basement. All but one cow is of the

Just before Mertztown Road on the west side of Mertz Road is another very large modern Gothic arched two-level frame barn. The barn is a few hundred feet south of Toad Creek. The roof peak is topped with three evenly

white, has a window just below the peak on the roadside end wall. On the masonry basement end wall are six windows and a split door is seen near the rear corner of the barn.

Road barn is a very large Gothic arched roof structure that has levels. The storage capacity of this barn is immense along with a

tremendous area for the stabling of farm stock in the basement.

On the west side of South Park Avenue a little south of State Street is a quite small Gothic arched frame barn. A single ventilator is at the roof peak. The end wall faces the road. The lower half of the wall is stone faced. To the right are double uneven sized main entry doors. A frame lean-to structure is at the north side.

The lean-to is stone faced at the side that faces the road. When the original barn survey was done in January 2012, the Savidge farm on the south side of State Street just east of its intersection with Centennial Road then had a large modern Gothic arched (bank?) barn with a metal roof. The structure was recently replaced with a very large metal covered gable ended frame barn. The roof has two ventilators. The big wagon doors on the eave wall close to the road are of the sliding type. A large modern barn is also seen near the turn at the east end of Watershed Road perhaps a quarter mile south of Hidden Valley Road. The barn is metal covered and is probably only a decade or two old. This barn too has a big gambrel roof. Ffg5th3tyj57uk86ilore-bay barns At the opposite side of the dimension scale of most Gothic arched roof structures, this small frame barn sits on the west side of South Park Avenue and south of State Street. Part of the end wall that faces the road is stone faced. A lean-to structure is at the north side of the barn.

Fore-bay Barns with Modern Roof Structures To complete the full picture of modern barns we have a few modern additions to existing structures. Longswamp Township has a few old fore-bay Standard barns with roofs that were replaced with modern gambrel roofs. With the removal of the original gable roofs, the gambrel roofs afforded at least three barns of early vintage in the township much greater storage capacities. When this somewhat widespread practice of adding gambrel roofs to barns started is not known. It likely began sometime in the first quarter of the twentieth century. Perhaps the greatest example of this gable roof to gambrel roof phenomenon is seen in a barn at the extreme eastern end of Mertztown Road on its south side. The full barn structure is actually a multi-section complex. The fore-bay barn section at the front was expanded several feet at its front and then an immense gambrel roof replaced the original gable roof. The end wall facing the road has a so-called jerkin head roof form. This form denotes a “sliced off” or “hipped” section at the top. The two large barn sections (one at each end of the barn) at the rear have gambrel roofs. Without a very detailed examination of the interiors of the two rear sections, it is difficult to know if the gambrel roofs now present are the original constructions. They may have had gable roofs at one time. In any event, the three barn sections all with gambrel roofs create a quite spectacular visual effect. The overall volumetric capacity of the three barn sections is immense. The building has apparently experienced some adaptive re-use as the front wall has been metal sided and has about a dozen new windows. Rental apartments or some other modern living or working area conveniences may have been installed in the barn. In the middle of the front wall at the top are two dates – 1814-1922. It seems that the barn was expanded upon in the year 1922 – almost 110 years after the barn was apparently built. A wide wall dormer was added to the front roof slope.

One of the largest barns in all of Longswamp Township is located at the east end of Mertztown Road. The structure is actually a complex of three sections. The front or main section was the area of the original barn construction apparently built in 1814. The section was expanded at its front aalso have gambrel roofs.

Another structure that was expanded greatly upon with a massive gambrel roof was the William Boyd farm barn. The site here is on the northeast side of Barclay Originally, this structure was likely a frame Standard barn where both the one original stone foundation end wall and rear foundation wall remain intact. The entire exterior of the barn (above the covered including the roof. Local masonry contractor Tim Miller is currently putting the finishing touches on the metal roof of the milk house at the front and new gutters on the big main barn.

The Boyd barn on Barclay Street near the main turn was originally a ffront by several feet. Its original gable end roof was replaced by a massive gambrel roof.

One Curious Fact Related to Topography One interesting and curious fact emerged from the township barn survey. All thstrangely enough, occupy locations in the lownorthern area. This includes all the Gothic arched roof barns and the few old Standard barns that were expanded and had their original gable roofs replaced with large new gambrel roofs. None of the modern barns are seen in the upland areas in what are essentially the southern reaches of the township. The only case that might be considered an exception is the Watershed Road barn butis in an area that is only partly in an upland area. It may be asked if the occupation of all these modern barns in the relatively flat, low relief geographic areas in the township is pure co-incidence. This might be true. A way to substantiate this is to perform a survey of barns in other townships and see what topographic areas existing modern barns may occupy.

ngswamp Township is located at the east end of Mertztown Road. The structure is actually a complex of three sections. The front or main section was the area of the original barn construction apparently built in 1814. The section was expanded at its front and a massive gambrel roof was added. The two rear frame sections

Another structure that was expanded greatly upon with a massive gambrel roof was the William Boyd farm barn. The site here is on the northeast side of Barclay Street a little south of the intersection of Meadow Drive. Originally, this structure was likely a frame Standard barn where both the one original stone foundation end wall and rear foundation wall remain intact. The entire exterior of the barn (above the basement level) is metal covered including the roof. Local masonry contractor Tim Miller is currently putting the finishing touches on the metal roof of the milk house at the front and new gutters on the big main barn.

The last major vernacular structurealtered sits on the east end of Brookvue Avenue just a few hundred feet from the Upper Macungie Township line in Lehigh County. The original barn, of four bays, was a large stone to eaves level Standard structure. The barn size was increaaddition of a few feet to the front along with a big gambrel roof that replaced the gable roof. A single centered large cupola adorns the roof peak. The front wall has three windows and a winnowing door is in line with each of the two interiorlarge frame addition is seen at the rear of the barn and may have been added when the main barn section was expanded and the original roof structure was replaced.

The Boyd barn on Barclay Street near the main turn was originally a frame Standard barn that was expanded at its front by several feet. Its original gable end roof was replaced by a massive gambrel roof.

One Curious Fact Related to Topography One interesting and curious fact emerged from the township barn survey. All the modern barns, perhaps strangely enough, occupy locations in the low-lying areas in the township that are predominantly in its northern area. This includes all the Gothic arched roof barns and the few old Standard barns that were

iginal gable roofs replaced with large new gambrel roofs. None of the modern barns are seen in the upland areas in what are essentially the southern reaches of the township. The only case that might be considered an exception is the Watershed Road barn but this structure is only a decade or so old and is in an area that is only partly in an upland area.

It may be asked if the occupation of all these modern barns in the relatively flat, low relief geographic areas in might be true. A way to substantiate this is to perform a survey of barns

in other townships and see what topographic areas existing modern barns may occupy.

ngswamp Township is located at the east end of Mertztown Road. The structure is actually a complex of three sections. The front or main section was the area of the original barn construction apparently

nd a massive gambrel roof was added. The two rear frame sections

Another structure that was expanded greatly upon with a massive gambrel roof was the William Boyd farm Street a little south of the intersection of Meadow Drive.

Originally, this structure was likely a frame Standard barn where both the one original stone foundation end basement level) is metal

covered including the roof. Local masonry contractor Tim Miller is currently putting the finishing touches on

The last major vernacular structure that was greatly altered sits on the east end of Brookvue Avenue just a few hundred feet from the Upper Macungie Township line in Lehigh County. The original barn, of four bays, was a large stone to eaves level Standard structure. The barn size was increased with the addition of a few feet to the front along with a big gambrel roof that replaced the gable roof. A single centered large cupola adorns the roof peak. The front wall has three windows and a winnowing door is in line with each of the two interior wagon bays. A quite large frame addition is seen at the rear of the barn and may have been added when the main barn section was expanded and the original roof structure

rame Standard barn that was expanded at its

e modern barns, perhaps lying areas in the township that are predominantly in its

northern area. This includes all the Gothic arched roof barns and the few old Standard barns that were iginal gable roofs replaced with large new gambrel roofs. None of the modern barns

are seen in the upland areas in what are essentially the southern reaches of the township. The only case that this structure is only a decade or so old and

It may be asked if the occupation of all these modern barns in the relatively flat, low relief geographic areas in might be true. A way to substantiate this is to perform a survey of barns

in other townships and see what topographic areas existing modern barns may occupy.

It will be noted that basically all the modern barns, save the quite small barn on South Park Avenue, are large to very large dimensioned barns. The very large size may be a function of the terrain the barns occupied. That is, gently rolling land was generally conducive to greater amounts of tillable acres that tended to yield high levels of crops. This, of course, is relative to comparatively hilly land where high-level tillable land areas came at a premium. Farms that had high crop yields needed big barns, in the case here – greater sized modern barns. The scenario just presented may be a simplification of more complex agricultural practices and all the factors that helped in the determination of just how large famers wanted their barns to be – either prior to the modern or pre 1920 era or the modern post 1920 era. Again, as is so often the case in other barn studies, much research is required to ascertain the reasons why big barns occupied certain land areas. Summary Barn building traditions in Longswamp Township did not end when the last up-country posted barns were built in the 1920s or perhaps the 1930s. Farmers continued to farm the area and a few of them chose to have modern barns erected on their lands. About the year 1930, traditional barn building technologies ended forever. A new technology then commenced when Gothic roof structures were widely introduced to the cultural landscape. These roofs greatly expanded upon storage capacities of traditional barns that often had gable roofs. As part of the story, certain existing barns had their gable roofs altered to roofs of the gambrel type. Modern barns certainly add flavor to countryside settings. But just because they lack any sense of antiquity, they are still unmistakable rural icons. Yes - they are indeed modern, but they are our own. Come and hear Greg talk about these and the other barns of Longswamp Township on

Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm at The Lutheran Home in Topton

____________________________________________________________ Longswamp Township Historical Society PO Box 6010 Mertztown, PA 19539 Phone: (484) 504-9149 Email: [email protected]

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Longswamp Township Historical Society Newsletter February … Newsletter... · Longswamp Township...

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